The effort the Blue Streaks put forth in those sprints, however, was indicative of the work that went into the program’s first sectional final appearance in more than 20 years.

“I can’t say anything more about how proud I am of how hard they played,” Dannehy said. “They played with heart and that’s all I asked of them this entire year. This is good for Saratoga soccer.”

After beating Saratoga Springs twice in the regular season, Niskayuna made it three-for-three with goals near the end of both halves.

Kelly Hartlage scored what turned out to be the match-winner five minutes before halftime and Meghan Doyle added an insurance goal seven minutes before the final whistle to give the Silver Warriors (16-3) their first sectional title since 2006.

“They had to earn it,” said Niskayuna coach Bryce Colby. “They took the three losses during the regular season, but I think we grew because of it. I started eight seniors. It’s an experienced team.”

The experience showed early in the match when No. 2-seeded Niskayuna’s defense was able to withstand a bright start from No. 5 Saratoga Springs (11-7-1).

Ellery Bianco cut back past a defender and volleyed a shot over the goal in the second minute before a Saratoga Springs corner kick taken by Emily Wickert resulted in a scramble in the box for a ball that Niskayuna goalkeeper Kristen Hartlage eventually grabbed.

Doyle, the Silver Warriors’ leading scorer, missed finishing a cross in the seventh minute, then was stonewalled by Blue Streaks goalkeeper Melissa Mascari on a breakaway in the 14th minute to keep it 0-0.

Saratoga Springs’ Theresa Starnes sent several hard shots on target in the first half, but Kristen Hartlage was there each time to make the save. The junior goalkeeper was also quick enough off her line to stop a point-black shot off a corner kick in the 27th minute.

“We’ve been able to push one by her in both games we played and to not come up with one tonight (I’m) disappointed, but I’m not taking that away,” Dannehy said of Kristen Hartlage. “She played a great game.”

The other member of the Hartlage family on the field provided the opening goal for the Silver Warriors.

Doyle sent a cross into the box that Rachel Walsh was able to flick over Mascari. Kelly Hartlage was there on the other side to redirect the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

“It was kind of just a lobbed ball and I kind of just got my foot on it,” Kelly Hartlage said. “We’ve wanted this for so long, and we put in so much work and effort. Finally we got it.”

Kristen Hartlage, Kelly’s younger sister, made sure one goal was all Niskayuna needed.

“I was so happy for her to show how good she is because sometimes she doesn’t get in the game when we have such good defense but (Wednesday) she stepped up and she won the game for us,” Kelly Hartlage said of her sister’s six saves.

The half ended with Niskayuna up 1-0.

Blue Streaks sophomore Gabby Duchaussee was sent through on a break in the 61st minute but was caught by the Silver Warriors defense before she could get a shot off.

As Saratoga Springs began to commit more players into the attack in the second half, Niskayuna’s strikers began to look dangerous on the counter. Doyle finally capitalized on the lack of defenders in the 73rd minute. The senior striker’s initial shot was blocked by Mascari, but Doyle was able to shoot the rebound into an open net for the 2-0 lead.

Even down two goals the Blue Streaks never stopped attacking.

Cassidy Driscoll turned her defender in the box to hit a powerful shot on goal, but Kristen Hartlage made a great diving save and hung on to the ball to prevent a rebound. It turned out the be the last scoring opportunity of the senior’s career.

“It’s been great,” Driscoll said of the season. “I’m just really happy we got this far with this team. I love all the girls. I’m going to miss them. It’s been a great run.”

Driscoll’s thoughts were echoed by her coach.

“I’ll remember the team that at the beginning of the year was a lot of, ‘Oh boy we’ve got to go over that,’” Dannehy said. “Then to get to the finals -- unbelievable. That’s just determination and will and heart. You can’t teach that and they have it. These girls are true athletes.”